In the final hours of the 2005 HAI Heli Expo, Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation issued the following statement (no doubt in regards to numerous inquiries) regarding the U.S. Navy's presidential helicopter contract decision.

On February 3, the U.S. Navy debriefed Sikorsky on the factors that determined the outcome of the Marine One competition. Throughout that meeting, the Navy was complementary of the outstanding proposal effort by the men and women of Sikorsky.

In the debriefing, the Navy confirmed that the Sikorsky offer was fully compliant and, in fact, had yielded the best performing aircraft. The company learned, however, that the competing bidder started with an aircraft - particularly the cabin - that more closely met the unique requirements established by the Navy, and that this was the major factor in the decision.

The Government Accountability Office (GAO), the investigatory arm of the U.S. Congress, has been asked to look into the issues related to performing heightened security work in an offshore foreign environment. Sikorsky does not want to take any action that might delay or conflict with the GAO's investigation. Accordingly, the company has elected not to protest the Navy's Marine One contract decision.

FMI: www.sikorsky.com